Pastures New Call For Davidson

21 May 2013 21:23:40

Must be difficult to walk away from a club you helped get into Europe

Murray Davidson is on the look out for a new challenge now that he has signed off after helping St Johnstone secure third spot in the SPL in his final game for the club. The 2-0 win over Motherwell means that European football will be back in Perth next season. However, Davidson will not be there to enjoy the fruits of his labours.He said: "The only thing I know is that I won't be at St Johnstone next season. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here, I've loved every minute but it's time to move on and I'm delighted they've got Europe to enjoy next year. I've not got anything 100 per cent sorted. I've been trying not to get too involved in it while the season has been going on. It's a long summer now and there is plenty of time to get a new club. It will probably be sooner rather than later but at the moment I'm not too sure where I'll be going. It's the perfect way to leave. It means so much to the people here. I'm delighted to help give them a present and give them something to look forward to over the summer."Saints had a brief taste of European competition last year when they faced Turkish side Eskisehirspor. Davidson added: "Even last year when we got into Europe, I was shocked by how much it meant to so many people. It wasn't just the players and people connected with the club, it was the whole of Perth that got involved and it was a massive thing. To do it this year again, with the size of the budget we've got, I think is an unbelievable achievement. As a group, we deserve massive credit and you can't take that away from us."St Johnstone overtook Inverness, who had been in the driving seat for third place and a Europa League place - heading into the final day of the season. However, Highland rivals Ross County winning 1-0, combined with Saints' win over Motherwell, saw Steve Lomas' men come out on top. Goals from Liam Craig and Nigel Hasselbaink sealed the three points for St Johnstone. Davidson said: "It was good in a way because we knew we had to win. All we could do was fully concentrate on winning the game. It would have been sad if Ross County had done us a favour and we didn't do our job. If we had won, and Inverness had won, then they would have deserved it. But we've managed to pip them at the line and we have been excellent as a whole squad so I think it's deserved."